Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories

Amanda Gorman: poetry for children

Amanda Gorman: poetry for children
CHANGE SINGS: A Children's Anthem by: Amanda Gorman (Read Aloud)

American poet Amanda Gorman touched many of our hearts with her inauguration poem, The Hill We Climb, at President Biden’s inauguration on January 20, 2021

Whether a Democrat, Republican or independent, we all admired the 22-year-old youth poet's laureate words and powerful presence. That day is still remembered by famed cellist Jan Vogler who saw Amanda Gorman on that day over three years ago and this Saturday, February 17th will be joining forces on stage with Gorman at New York's Carnegie Hall to pair Gorman's poetry with the Bach Cello Suites.


The words or Ms. Gorman at the inaguration on January 30, 2021 still ring clear today as she spoke these words

We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation, become the future.

Our blunders become their burdens.

But one thing is certain.

If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.

Yes, powerful words for all of us as she implored:

For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.

If only we’re brave enough to be it.

Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter

Gorman has had an amazing year and now she has turned her magic with words into a wonderful new book, “Change Sings,” for the youngest of Americans. The book is designed to become an anthem of joy, hope and change for children across this great land.

These words are just a few examples of the messages she is sending to children:

I scream with the skies

of red and blue streamers.

I dream with the cries

of tried-and true dreamers.

We are the wave starting to spring.

For We are the change we sing.

We’re what the world is becoming

And we know it won’t be long.

Watch the video and imagine how this will touch the heart of your children or grandchildren.. And hopefully yours as well. Imagine a new generation of young Americans who are open to the possibilities of living into the dream of our founders

Enjoy!

Read More

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood screenshot
Sony Pictures Entertainment

Movies that show us at our weaving best

The Aspen Institute’s Weave: The Social Fabric Project tackles the problem of broken trust that has left Americans divided, lonely and in social gridlock. Weave connects and invests in grassroots leaders stepping up to weave a new, inclusive social fabric where they live. This is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of community weavers from across the country.

With the weather getting colder across the northern hemisphere and some holiday time with family and friends coming up, you might want to kick back with a movie. We’ve got you. Here are some movies that will give you hope, leave you smiling and maybe inspire you to get out and rebuild social trust in your community in 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
The role of theater in fostering constructive political dialogue
Tom McGrath/TCMcGPhotography

The role of theater in fostering constructive political dialogue

While it may seem like our country is more politically divided than ever, political division has been a recurring theme throughout American history.

The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the struggle for civil rights, the protests surrounding the Vietnam War and similar events highlight how deeply divided opinions can become. Each of these periods had its own complex set of issues and emotions, and they shaped the nation in significant ways.

Keep ReadingShow less
Megan Thee Stallion in front of an audience waving "Kamala" signs

Singer Megan Thee Stallion performs at a Kamala Harris rally in Atlanta on July 30.

Julia Beverly/Getty Images

Do Charli XCX’s and Kid Rock’s endorsements make a difference? 19% of young people admit they might.

Longoria is an associate professor of political science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

British pop star Charli XCX sent many young people’s group text chats and social media feeds wild when she endorsed Kamala Harris by playing off a term she coined in a song, and posted on X, that “kamala IS brat.”

While this endorsement, which happened in July 2024, likely means very little to most adults who don’t follow the singer’s music, it is considered high praise among young people. Harris’ campaign astutely embraced Charli XCX’s support – temporarily changing the background of its X profile to the same shade of lime green that Charlie XCX favors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande

Sarah Morris/WireImage/Getty Images

Ariana Grande for Harris. Kanye West for Trump. Does it matter?

Nevins is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.

It didn’t take long after Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and Kamala Harris became the odds-on favorite to be the Democratic Party's nominee for the celebrity endorsements to follow. Within a few days, Ariana Grande, Cardi B and John Legend all publicly announced their support for Harris.

Of course, not all celebrities are Democrats and Donald Trump has his share of celebrity support as well — people like Ye (Kanye West), Jason Aldean and Kid Rock, who endorsed Trump in the past and are likely to endorse him once again.

Keep ReadingShow less